THE
BRIDGEPage Two

THE
WAR AND THE TRIUMPHANT RETURN TO AYODHYA

There
was no other alternative. The war bugle was sounded. Rama instructed his army to
fight with anything that was handy the monkeys could use sticks,
stones and even their own nails to fight the enemy.

When
one confronts evil, one must not waste time looking for weapons. One must fight
it with what is available at hand.

Lakshmana
had a confrontation with Ravana’s son Indrajit. Lakshmana was wounded. Hanuman
found Lakshmana lying unconscious in the battlefield. He brought him to Rama.

It
is only a noble soul who will bring a wounded devotee to God.

A
doctor was summoned who prescribed a herb to be administered to Lakshmana before
daybreak if his life was to be saved.

Who
was going to accomplish this feat? Hanuman, of course.

He
flew to the hill where this herb grew. He was confounded as all the herbs looked
alike. He decided to carry the whole hill.

It
is said that a man with faith can move moun­tains. Hanuman could carry it.

Hanuman
reached Lakshmana on time. Lakshmana’s life was saved.

On
the field came Ravana’s brother, Kumbhakarna. He wanted to fight alone; he did
not need any help. Kumbhakarna was ego incarnate.

Ego
is enough to kill every virtue. Rama killed Kumbhakarna. Only God and his grace
have the capacity to annihilate the ego.

Lakshmana
killed Meghanatha (Indrajit) after enjoying the much-deserved rest on his Lord’s
lap.

Rama
killed Ravana.

It
was a victory of Good over Evil.

The
war between our benign tendencies and our evil ones is a daily occurrence in our
lives.

Ravana
with his ten ugly heads within us has to eventually fall when the swift arrow of
Rama hits him.

Once
again the flag of virtue was hoisted.

Rama
and Sita were united.

The
fourteen years of trial were over.

They
returned triumphant to the city of Ayodhya.

The
Golden Age took its seat on the throne.

Knowledge
and Devotion reigned supreme in the Kingdom.

It
is believed in the Hindu philosophy that the flame of Rama’s Kingdom can be
kindled and lit up in our hearts too, to bring love and happiness.

The
virtues of sacrifice, love and service of Lakshmana, Bharata and Shatrughna must
become an integral part of our lives.

And
on the throne of our heart must sit the know­ledge and wisdom of Rama united
with the devotion and compassion of Sita.

Once
this is attained, we are on the right road from strife and death to immortality.